U.S. patent application number 10/874657 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for storage carts.
This patent application is currently assigned to Konstant products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Konstant, Anthony N..
Application Number | 20050279608 10/874657 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35479446 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050279608 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Konstant, Anthony N. |
December 22, 2005 |
Storage carts
Abstract
Storage carts for the storage of pallets and other loads that
may be moved between an open position into an aisle for access to
the load and a closed position out of the aisle when desired.
Inventors: |
Konstant, Anthony N.;
(Winnetka, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert A. Vitale, Jr.
Niro, Scavone, Haller & Niro
Suite 4600
181 West Madison
Chicago
IL
60602
US
|
Assignee: |
Konstant products, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
35479446 |
Appl. No.: |
10/874657 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
193/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 2203/073 20130101;
B65G 1/00 20130101; B62B 2301/05 20130101; B62B 3/00 20130101; A47F
10/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
193/041 |
International
Class: |
B65G 011/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A storage cart capable of front to back movement of a load on a
generally flat surface comprising: a cart having wheels and a guide
rail; a guide assembly secured to the generally flat surface, said
guide assembly cooperating with said guide rail to permit front to
back movement of said cart without undesired lateral movement; and,
a handle attached to said cart.
2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said wheels of said cart
include four wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly having two pairs
of wheels on each side of a support stringer of said cart.
3. The invention of claim 3 wherein an axle rotatably supports said
wheels and said axle is flexibly mounted on said cart to permit
vertical movement of said wheels.
4. The invention of claim 1 wherein a control arm is pivotably
attached to said cart.
5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said guide assembly includes a
base, locking flanges, guide brackets and guide bearings.
6. The invention of claim 5 wherein the locking flanges of the
guide assembly are integral with said base.
7. The invention of claim 1 wherein said wheels are casters.
8. The invention of claim 4 wherein locking tabs are provided on
said control arm.
9. A storage cart for supporting a pallet or other load on a
generally flat surface, said cart moveable from a closed position
to an open position, comprising: a cart having wheel supports and
wheels to permit said movement of said cart, and a guide rail; a
guide assembly secured to said generally flat surface, the guide
assembly including a guide bracket and a guide bearing that
cooperate with said guide rail; a locking flange; and, a control
arm pivotably mounted to said cart.
10. The invention of claim 9 wherein the control arm includes
locking tabs.
11. The invention of claim 10 wherein said locking tabs cooperate
with said locking flange to prevent undesired movement of said
cart.
12. The invention of claim 9 wherein said wheels of said cart are
rotatably mounted to permit vertical movement of said wheels.
13. The invention of claim 12 wherein two pairs of wheels are
provided on each side of said wheel support.
14. The invention of claim 9 wherein said wheels are casters.
15. A storage cart for moveably storing a load, said cart capable
of movement along a generally horizontal support surface between a
closed and an open position, said cart having a guide rail,
comprising: wheel means for rollably supporting said cart on said
surface; guide means for cooperating with said guide rail and
preventing undesired movement of said cart; and, control arm means
for enabling the selective movement of said cart and locking said
cart against undesired movement.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present inventions relate generally to storage devices
that support pallets and other loads. More particularly, the
present inventions relate to storage carts that are moveable
between an open position where loads may be accessed and a closed
position for storage. The storage carts of the present inventions
are capable of supporting heavy loads, yet are efficiently moveable
to permit easy access, may be secured against undesired movement
and are guided against undesired lateral movement.
[0002] There are numerous types of storage systems available to
store a variety of loads. For example, in the warehouse industry,
shelf type storage systems are widely used. In general, many of
these systems are configured to form shelves to support loads,
pallets and their loads, and the like. Access to the stored loads
is typically limited to warehouse personnel using fork lifts and
the like.
[0003] At typical consumer warehouse stores, such as home
improvement warehouses, inventory goods are stored in areas out of
the reach of the public. In the same facility, individual items are
accessible to the public and made available for consumer purchase.
As a result of the increasing presence and popularity of such
consumer warehouse stores, a need has developed to accommodate the
efficient storage of heavy items (for example, bags of sand,
concrete and gravel), while at the same time permitting convenient
and safe access to these items by consumers and/or store
personnel.
[0004] In a typical home improvement warehouse store, storage racks
are arranged to form aisles for consumer and employee access. These
racks are typically arranged in back to back arrays that may extend
from the floor to ceiling height. A typical home improvement
warehouse store receives a wide variety of goods that arrive on
pallets. For inventory item storage, pallets and their loads are
placed on shelves on the upper portion of the racks, usually above
the reach of the consumer. The lower portion of the racks, which
are under the upper storage shelves, form bays which are used to
make individual items accessible to the consumer. For many types of
items, displays or shelves are used within the bays to enable the
selection of individual items by the consumer. Many such items may
be easily reached by the consumer, regardless of whether those
items are at the front of the bay or the rear of the bay. In this
manner, the most inventory possible can be stored in the available
space and the consumer has access to the products.
[0005] However, the storage and accessibility of relatively heavy
items available at warehouse stores has created problems and
potential safety hazards. For example, a home improvement warehouse
store selling bags of ready mix concrete typically puts a pallet
full of individual bags for consumer access in the storage bay
created under the inventory storage shelves or racks. As the bags
in the front of the pallet are sold, the remaining bags are on the
rear of the pallet are located in the rear of the bay under the
shelves. Because of their weight and location, these items become
extremely difficult and awkward to access.
[0006] In such situations, store personnel could shift the pallet
(or items on the pallet) to make the remaining items accessible,
restock the pallet with additional items, or potentially lose a
sale because a consumer foregoes a purchase when the item cannot be
reached. However, personal injury could result to the consumer or
store employee who attempts to lift a heavy item in an awkward
position in the back of the storage bay. Another way to avoid these
problems is to place a load of the heavy items in the aisle, end
cap or other area where there would be relatively unobstructed
access to them. However, this is an inefficient use of space, can
block aisles and lead to other problems.
[0007] To overcome the accessibility and other problems, some have
attempted to develop moveable drawers for such items. These drawers
are designed to be moveable from a rear position underneath the bay
to a forward position generally into the aisle, where items on the
rear of the pallet may be accessed. However, known devices suffer
from a number of problems, including poor or difficult operation,
complexity and expense.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present inventions overcome the problems associated with
the storage of and access to heavy items. For example, the present
inventions provide a storage cart system having a storage cart
capable of front to back movement of a load on a generally flat
surface, the storage cart having a guide rail and wheels. A guide
assembly secured to the generally flat surface is provided, the
guide assembly cooperating with the guide rail to permit front to
back movement of the cart without undesired lateral movement, and a
handle or control arm pivotably mounted to the cart. The wheels of
the wheeled cart of the present invention may include four wheel
assemblies, each wheel assembly having two pairs of wheels on each
side of a web of a support stringer of the cart. An axle that is
flexibly mounted on the cart to permit vertical movement of the
wheels is also provided. The guide assembly may further include a
base, locking flanges, guide brackets and guide bearings.
[0009] The present inventions further provide for a storage cart
for supporting a pallet or other load on a generally flat surface,
the cart being moveable between a closed position and an open
position, and having a guide rail. A guide assembly having a base
secured to the generally flat surface, a guide bracket and a guide
bearing attached to the guide bracket that cooperates with the
guide rail are also provided. A control arm pivotably mounted to
the cart and permitting the selective movement of the cart from an
open position to a closed position is also provided, as well as a
locking flange to prevent undesired movement.
[0010] The present inventions also provide, among other things, a
storage cart for moveably storing a load, the cart being capable of
movement along a generally horizontal support surface between a
closed and an open position, the cart having a guide rail. The
moveable storage cart also including wheel means for rollably
supporting the cart on the surface, guide means for cooperating
with the guide rail and preventing undesired lateral movement of
the cart, control arm means for enabling the selective movement of
the cart and locking means for securing the cart against undesired
movement between an open and closed position.
[0011] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to
provide storage carts that may be moved between an open position
and a closed position to provide ready access to goods stored on
the carts.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
storage cart that may be secured against undesired opening or
closing.
[0013] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a storage cart that has wheels that may move vertically to
accommodate irregularity of the ground or horizontal support
surface.
[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
moveable storage cart that may be moved as desired, but is
controlled against undesired lateral movement.
[0015] Yet an additional object of the present invention is to
provide a storage cart for use in storing heavy items in warehouse
stores that may be selectively moved to an open position for access
to the items and may be selectively moved out of the aisle and
closed.
[0016] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide
a moveable storage cart that can be retrofitted into existing rack
storage systems.
INVENTOR'S DEFINITION OF THE TERMS
[0017] The terms used in the claims of this patent are intended to
have their broadest meaning consistent with the requirements of
law. Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning
is intended. All words used in the claims are intended to be used
in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the English
language.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The stated and unstated features and advantages of the
present inventions will become apparent from the following
descriptions and drawings wherein like reference numerals represent
like elements in the various views, and in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred storage cart of
the present invention shown in an intermediate position between the
opened and closed positions and including an optional backstop;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred storage cart
of FIG. 1, shown in a fully closed and locked position;
[0021] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of details of the
front cart components, guide assembly and control arm assembly of
the storage cart of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred storage cart of
FIG. 1 shown in a fully open and locked position;
[0023] FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of details of the
rear cart components, guide assembly and control arm assembly of
the storage cart of FIG. 3;
[0024] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred
storage cart of the present invention showing the cart assembly,
guide assembly, control arm and an optional backstop;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
cart assembly of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the storage cart of FIG.
5;
[0027] FIG. 6A is a detail plan view of components of a preferred
rear wheel assembly of the cart of FIG. 6;
[0028] FIG. 6B is a detail plan view of components of a preferred
front wheel assembly on the cart of FIG. 6;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred guide assembly
of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred control arm
assembly of the present invention; and,
[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a preferred storage cart of
the present invention shown with optional decking and optional
backstop and in a fully retracted or closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Set forth below is a description of what is currently
believed to be the preferred embodiments or best representative
examples of the inventions claimed. Future and present alternatives
and modifications to the embodiments and preferred embodiments are
contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make
insubstantial changes in function, purpose, structure or result are
intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.
[0033] Typically, there is a front side of the storage rack
structure of a warehouse store which is adjacent to an access aisle
and a back side of the system which usually abuts another storage
rack and to which there is typically no access from the front
aisle. The present inventions will be described herein in
non-limiting detail by reference to shelf-type storage systems that
are typically found in consumer warehouse stores which are accessed
only from one side, that is, the front or access aisle. However,
the present inventions are fully applicable to a wide variety of
other storage applications as well.
[0034] A preferred embodiment of a storage cart of the present
invention is shown generally as 10 in FIG. 1. It is designed to
roll on a generally flat surface or floor (not shown) of a
warehouse or consumer warehouse store, which is typically a
concrete slab. The storage cart 10 is sized to support a standard
pallet and its load and to fit within the bays created by typical
shelf or rack type storage systems and below the shelves used for
the storage of inventory items. As hereinafter described, storage
cart 10 is substantially completely under a shelf and substantially
out of the access aisle when in a fully retracted or closed
position toward the rear of a storage bay, as shown in FIG. 2, and
extends substantially into the aisle or out of the bay when in its
fully extended or open position, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0035] It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the
components of storage cart 10 and its related assemblies may be
constructed from a wide variety of materials (e.g., iron, steel or
aluminum) having a variety of cross-sectional shapes (such as
channels, angles, tubing, I-beams and S-beams). However, these
particular standard structural components are not required to
practice the inventions, as other structural members of different
cross sections may also be advantageously fabricated and employed
to practice the claimed inventions.
[0036] The storage carts of the present invention generally include
three principal component systems. As shown in FIG. 4, the present
invention includes a wheeled cart assembly 20, a guide assembly 40
and a control arm assembly 60. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6,
wheeled cart assembly 20 includes a left side support stringer 21
and a right side support stringer 22, both of which may be
constructed from structural channels. Cart assembly 20 also
includes a front support stringer 23 and a rear support stringer
24, which also may be constructed of structural channels. All of
the support stringers 21, 22, 23 and 24 are connected together in a
variety of well known ways, such as welding or bolts, to form a
generally rectangular frame. Depending upon the application and
design requirements, intermediate support members 25 may also be
provided. Moreover, in a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a guide rail 26 is provided between front 23 and rear 24
stringers to interact with guide assembly 26 to prevent undesired
lateral movement, as hereinafter described. Guide rail 26 may also
be constructed or installed to serve as an intermediate support
(not shown) for cart assembly 20.
[0037] Cart assembly 20 also includes wheel assemblies 27,
preferably at each corner of the cart assembly 20. As best shown in
FIG. 6, the preferred wheel assembly 27 includes two pairs of
wheels 28, an axle 29 associated with each wheel assembly 27, as
well as a nut 30 or other means for rotatably securing the wheels
28 to the axle 29. In the preferred embodiment, axle 29 is in the
form of a bolt which is secured to nut 30.
[0038] Axle 29 passes through a hole (not shown) located in the web
31 (see also FIG. 5) of right stringer 22 and left stringer 23. In
the preferred embodiment, the holes (not shown) through web 31 of
left and right stringers 21 and 22 are of a larger diameter than
axle 29. In this manner, vertical up and down movement of axle 29
of the wheel assemblies 27 is permitted to accommodate
irregularities of the slab upon which the wheels 28 of cart
assembly 20 ride during operation. Similarly preferred, but not
required, is the use of split pairs of wheels 28 on either side of
web 31. For example, single wheels 28 on either side of web 31 may
be used. Alternatively, a single wheel 28 or caster (not shown) may
be used to practice the invention by hinging or pivoting the caster
at a point about the wheel 28 and attaching it to the cart assembly
20. In these manners, the wheels 28 of cart assembly 20 remain in
rolling contact with the floor and provide flexibility to
accommodate irregularities of the floor surface to permit smooth
operation. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that
the type of wheels 28 and/or wheel assemblies 27 selected, as well
as their attachment to the cart assembly 20, will depend upon,
among other things, the type of structures used for cart assembly
20, as well as cost considerations and the environment in which the
devices are used.
[0039] In the preferred embodiment, the lower flange 32 of each
side stringer 22 and 23 is provided with a notch 33 to permit the
pair of wheels 28 on the outside of cart assembly 20 to contact the
ground, slab or other surface (not shown). Because standard
structural channels are used for the side stringers 22 and 23 for
the described embodiment, no notches are required for the pair of
wheels on the interior of cart assembly 20. It will be understood,
however, that any structural member may be used and a notch 33 may
or may not be necessary.
[0040] Guide assembly 40 of the present invention is best seen by
reference to FIG. 7. Guide assembly 40 includes a base 41 which may
be attached to the warehouse floor slab (not shown) through holes
42 or other readily available means. Base 41 is provided with
upturned locking flanges 43 extending outside the width of cart
assembly 20 that act to lock cart assembly 20 against undesired
movement, as hereinafter described. Flanges 43 have front edges 44
and rear edges 45. Although flanges 43 are shown as integral with
base 41, other structures, or separate structures, may be employed
to perform the locking function, as hereinafter described.
[0041] A right guide bracket 46 and a left guide bracket 47 are
also provided which may be attached to base 41 by welding or other
well known means. Each guide bracket 46 and 47 has a front end 48
and a rear end 49. Guide bearings 50 are attached to guide brackets
46 and 47. Guide bearings 50 may be rollers, wheels, pads or other
preferably low friction devices as will be understood by those of
skill in the art. The spacing between right bracket 46 and left
bracket 47, as well as the placement of guide bearings 50, is
designed to movably cooperate with guide rail 26 of cart assembly
20, so that cart assembly 20 may be moved forward into the aisle
and backward out of the aisle without undesired lateral movement or
skewing. In a preferred embodiment, guide brackets 46 and 47 also
serve to limit or contain the amount of cart movement between the
open and closed positions, as hereinafter described.
[0042] The third principal assembly, control arm assembly 60 is
best seen by reference to FIG. 8. In a preferred form, control arm
assembly 60 includes a handle 61 that is pivotably mounted to the
rear of cart assembly 20. Handle 61 is of sufficient length so that
it may be readily gripped to move cart assembly 20, but not
protrude into the aisle when the cart 20 is in a closed position. A
front locking tab 62 and a rear locking tab 63 are provided on
handle 61 to engage the front edge 44 or rear edge 45 of locking
flange 43 to lock cart assembly 20 against undesired movement, as
hereinafter described. The rear end of handle 61 is pivotably
mounted to a pivot post 65 (see FIG. 5) of cart assembly 20 through
a hole 66 on an alignment plate 64. In this manner, control arm 60
may rotate from a generally horizontal position along the plane of
cart assembly 20 to a variety of vertical positions so that the
cart assembly 20 may be moved when desired.
[0043] It will be understood by those of skill in the art that,
although preferred, it is not required that control arm assembly 60
have a pivotably mounted handle 61 or that it be provided with
means to lock the cart against undesired movement. In fact, a
single pull type handle (not shown) may be attached to the cart
assembly 20 to be pulled or pushed when movement of the cart is
desired.
[0044] Having now described the primary assemblies and associated
components of preferred embodiments of the present invention, its
operation may be better seen by reference to FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 2
shows the storage cart 10 of the present inventions in a retracted
or closed position, typically within the bay and substantially
underneath shelf type storage racks. When in this position, the
handle 61 of control arm 60 is in its lowest position. As shown in
FIG. 2A, locking tab 62 of handle 61 engages the rear edge 45 of
locking flange 43 so that cart assembly 20 may not roll or be
pulled laterally out into the aisle.
[0045] When access to items (not shown) on the rear of the cart
assembly 20 is desired, handle 61 may be rotated upward to an
intermediate position as shown in FIG. 1. When the handle is
lifted, front locking tab 62 disengages rear edge 45. Thus, when
handle 61 is pulled, cart assembly 20 may roll laterally forward
into the aisle. To prevent undesired lateral movement and aid in
ease of pulling out the cart assembly 20, guide bearings 50
cooperate with guide rail 26. Cart assembly 20 may be extended
until rear stringer 24 engages rear end 49 of guide brackets 46 and
47 to its fully extended or open position. At this point, as shown
in FIG. 3, handle 61 may be lowered. In the preferred embodiment,
handle 61 may be rotated to a variety of operative positions so
that each user can leverage the handle 61 to move the cart 20 and
its load as desired.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3A, when handle 61 is lowered, cart
assembly 20 may then be locked in a fully extended position. This
locking function is accomplished in the preferred embodiment when
the rear locking tab 63 of handle 61 is lowered and engages front
edge 44 of locking flange 43. In this manner, the cart assembly 20
may not be inadvertently moved rearward when, for example, an item
is being removed.
[0047] After unloading or as otherwise desired, handle 61 may be
rotated vertically upward (see FIG. 1) so that rear locking tab 63
disengages front edge 44 and cart assembly 20 may be pushed
rearward with handle 61. Cart assembly 20 is then permitted to roll
rearward until front end 48 of guide brackets 46 and 47 come in
contact with front stringer 23. When fully retracted, handle 61 may
be rotated downward and locked into position as described
above.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment, locking flange 43 is provided
with a handle locking hole 72. Locking hole 72 is provided so that
handle 61 may be locked into the lowered position by a pad lock or
other device inserted in locking hole 72 and prevent the lifting
and upward rotation of handle 61. Also in a preferred embodiment,
handle 61 includes a rear alignment plate 64. Alignment plate 64
contacts the outer edge of rear stringer 24 during the rotation of
handle 61. In this manner, when handle 61 is lifted and pulled or
pushed to move cart assembly 20, handle 61 is kept in alignment
with the edge of cart assembly 20.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 9, cart assembly 20 may be provided with an
optional backstop 70 to prevent items from falling behind cart
assembly 20. And, also as shown in FIG. 9, optional decking 71 may
be provided on cart assembly 20 and/or optional backstop 70.
[0050] The above description is not intended to limit the meaning
of the words used in or the scope of the following claims that
define the invention. Rather, it is contemplated that future
modifications in structure, function or result will exist that are
not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes in
what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims. Thus,
while preferred embodiments of the present inventions have been
illustrated and described, it will be understood that changes and
modifications can be made without departing from the claimed
invention.
[0051] Various features of the present inventions are set forth in
the following claims.
* * * * *